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NEWS | March 9, 2023

Ground Vehicles: Remove Battery Corrosion

BLUF: When cleaning and removing corrosion from automotive lead-acid storage batteries, follow the guidance in WP 0027 of TM 9-6140-200-13 (May 11).

Soldiers with the 369th Sustainment Brigade work on HMMWVs in the unit’s motor pool
Photo by Spc. Ryan Scribner

Soldiers, we’re getting closer to springtime and warmer weather. That means it’s a good time to inspect the lead-acid batteries in your vehicles and remove any signs of corrosion.
       
How can you tell if there’s corrosion? Look for the presence of white or greenish white powdery or gummy residue. It’s usually built up on the exposed surfaces like the battery posts or cable ends. You might see a dry film or a wet glob of residue.
       
When cleaning and removing corrosion on batteries, make sure you follow WP 0027 of TM 9-6140-200-13, Operator and Field Maintenance for Automotive Lead-Acid Storage Batteries (May 11). Also refer to TB 43-0213 (Mar 19) and your vehicle’s operator and field maintenance TMs.
       
Pay close attention to all warnings and be sure to use rubber gloves and protective eyewear when you’re cleaning batteries and removing corrosion.
 

The main areas to inspect are:
  • Cable ends. Check for worn insulation, breaks and buckling. Replace all unserviceable parts and clean as required. 
  • Battery terminal posts. Clean as required. After cleaning, make sure that the cable terminals fit properly on the cleaned posts. Replace as needed.
  • Battery, battery box, hold downs, clamps, supports, fasteners and any adjacent equipment. Clean, repair and replace them as required.
batteries
general tactical vehicles
FMTV
generators
Corrosion
general tactical trailers
General Construction
General combat vehicles
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